Erzählerfigur

Erzählerfigur is a German term that translates to "narrator figure" or "narrative persona." It refers to the voice or character through which a story is told. This figure is not necessarily the author themselves but a construct created to present the narrative. The Erzählerfigur can be an omniscient observer, a first-person participant in the events, or a more detached third-person voice.

The characteristics and perspective of the Erzählerfigur significantly influence how the reader perceives the story. A subjective Erzählerfigur, for example, may offer biased interpretations or limited knowledge, creating dramatic irony or requiring the reader to piece together the full picture. Conversely, an objective Erzählerfigur might present events factually, leaving interpretation largely to the reader. The reliability of the Erzählerfigur is a crucial element in literary analysis, as a deceptive or flawed narrator can profoundly alter the meaning of a text.

The concept of the Erzählerfigur is central to understanding narrative voice and point of view in literature. It allows authors to experiment with different perspectives and explore the complexities of storytelling. The choice of Erzählerfigur is a deliberate artistic decision that shapes the reader's engagement with the characters, plot, and themes of a work.